There are many ways to enjoy the wilderness. And whether you’re an indoor girl or guy (guilty!) or a person that loves roughing it, the difference comes down to only a few things. If you are wondering what the difference is between camping and glamping, here are some easy answers.
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What’s the Difference Between Camping and Glamping?
Outdoor enthusiasts come in many flavors. There are the rugged individualists who prefer to “rough it,” carrying everything they need for a few peaceful days in the wild in a backpack. These folks are prepared to protect themselves from changes in weather, insects, and bears and make their own fresh meals with wild game they catch themselves.
Then there are those who love a starry night sky as much as the next person but prefer to sleep off the ground and have their meals prepared for them. If you’re contemplating traveling to a wilderness destination, understanding the difference between camping and “glamping” can help you select the type of trip you’ll truly enjoy.
The Difference Between Camping and Glamping – Traditional Camping
Classic camping is a retreat from the stresses of modern living. It gets you out into the wilderness with just what you need to survive. You’ll bring a tent, a sleeping bag, rain gear, bug and bear spray, a change of clothes, and perhaps some freeze-dried and canned food and prepared mixes to supplement the fish you catch.
You’ll build your own fire, cook your own food, and maybe be out of range of WiFi and cell service for a few days. If that’s the case, make sure you’ve told your family exactly where you plan to go and when you expect to be back. Make sure to have an emergency plan to get help if something goes wrong. Additionally, even if you’re out of cell range, download maps of the area you’ll be in just in case and make notes on how to get there and back should you not be able to pull the maps up on your phone.
Camping lets you get back to the basics, enjoy the beauty of the wilderness, and detach from the relentless schedules of work and home. It’s just the essentials: no camper or bathroom facilities—just you, your tent, the woods, and the sky.
The Difference Between Camping and Glamping -Glamping Facts
The word “glamping” is a mash-up of “camping” and “glamor” or “glamorous.” It still gets you into the great outdoors without renouncing the comforts of home.
Glamping destinations may feature large tents on platforms or cabins Or even yurts!) with private bathrooms and comfortable beds with mattresses. More exotic versions include tree houses, yurts, or a tent over a wooden platform standing in a calm, blue ocean cove.
Full-service glamping can be expensive, comparable to a luxury vacation. But you may find it’s worth it when someone shows up to build your fire for you, cook your food, clean your tent, and supply fresh linens for your bed. You may still be able to connect to WiFi and cell service.
If you’re attending a glamping retreat, you may find your hosts have provided luxury restroom trailers with sinks, porcelain flush toilets, and air conditioning. There may even be mobile shower trailers and laundry units.
The difference between camping and glamping is largely a matter of degree. Whether you prefer the independence and simplicity of traditional camping or the amenities of glamping, you’ll feel more relaxed and centered after some time spent communing with nature.
